Today a major collaborative programme between the NOC and three of UK’s other leading marine and oceanographic research centres has begun to improve the social and economic benefits of this vital area of science, as well as improving understanding in a more holistic way.
The National Partnership for Ocean Prediction (NPOP) - which comprises the NOC, the Met Office, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) – is being launched today at an event in Bristol.
The scientific collaboration will provide an improved understanding and prediction of many aspects of the marine environment, including: fisheries, safety at sea, maritime operations, marine renewable energy, coastal flood warning, and the achievement and maintenance of good environmental status.
Professor Ed Hill OBE, the Executive Director of the NOC, said “"I am very pleased that the NOC is contributing to the national partnership for ocean prediction. Ocean predictions are one of the central means by which the understanding of ocean processes is translated into practical scientific benefit for society.
NOC has very significant ocean modelling capability at both global and regional scales. These models encompass physical processes as well as ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystems, all of which are integrated into coupled climate and earth system models.”
As part of this programme scientists from the partner organisations will develop and promote the application of world-leading marine products and services, with a focus on national and public benefit. This will include the integration of models, observations and scientific understanding to produce the best information and advice about the marine environment. There will be a rigorous quality assurance and traceability of data, in addition to a focus on the needs of those who will use these services in order to maximise the social and economic benefits.
Professor Dame Julia Slingo OBE FRS, is the Met Office Chief Scientist. Speaking ahead of the launch, she said: “The city of Bristol has a rich marine heritage, which typifies our relationship with the sea. The sea touches our lives every day as it not only influences our climate and weather, but it has also been the engine for much of our economic growth. Understanding more about our sea through the next generation of scientific collaboration will provide benefits for all, and that is at the root of this ocean-prediction partnership.”